Geoffrey Cook, MD

After many years of chronic back/neck pain and trying to treat it with physiotherapy/massage, I went in for a consultation in March/April of 2016. I have always had large breasts but my stats currently stand at 145 pounds, 5'4”, and well, my breasts have been measured before at 34H (but I was 20 pounds heavier), but my current bra is a 34DDD. I honestly have no idea anymore. I was supposed to have the surgery in September but due to life obligations it had to be moved back. It is now scheduled for January 19, 2017 and I'm extremely nervous. Reading this site has been helpful to know what to expect, but also nerve-wracking to read some of the issues that have come up for some of you. I'm trying to be positive but I can't help but have cold feet about the whole thing. I know I need this, I can't continue with the back and neck pain, but I'm apprehensive about the recovery. Other people I know who have had it done say I will not regret it, so I guess no pain no gain. Any and all reassuring comments welcome!

Updated on 15 Jan 2017:
I had my pre-op assessment a few days ago and my surgery is set for January 19th, three days away now! Eeeek. I feel like I have so much to do before I'm helpless for 6 weeks. And my nerves are shot and I'm having crazy dreams too. I just need to get on the other side of this so I can deal with recovery and stop stressing in anticipation. Also I've been hyper aware of my breasts the past week, wondering if I'm doing the right thing, second guessing, etc. But I know I can't live with this back and neck pain anymore and that this will change my life so I'm tying to be positive.

Updated on 17 Jan 2017:
Anyone else find stigma attached to their breast reduction surgery? I've been keeping it pretty private other than family and close friends, but have had people in the past (when I've mentioned the possibility) say "oh give me some of yours!" Or "whaaaa I would kill for your size breasts". So now that it's happening in 1 more day I've been wondering if any of you have experienced any stigma. While looking up breast reduction information I came across the above images. I was disgusted but not entirely surprised. No shock that there are men in both images. I had a few girlfriends over 2 weeks ago to celebrate my upcoming surgery and my friends husband said to her before she left the house, "every time a woman gets a breast reduction an angel loses their wings". I mean I know it isn't malicious but it still doesn't feel very good. Any similar stories out there?

Updated on 18 Jan 2017:
Surgery is tomorrow! Feeling good and just ready for this to be over with. The waiting is the worst. See you all on the flip side!

Updated on 20 Jan 2017:
It's done! I spent extra time in recovery yesterday due to some dizziness then went home and slept all night. Had hospital appointment this morning at 8am. PS said it went amazing. 2 pounds total lost. Said the nurses were jealous haha. I have full sensation all over which is great. And got a new binder that's not cutting into me as much. Nurse told me afterward that he never gives anyone an extra binder so I should feel lucky. All in all doing well just pain and burning. Staying on top of drugs. Going to move to regular Tylonel and Advil he said to keep switching between those. He's very happy. Just woke up again..trying to get past these first few days lots of burning sensation. My breasts look amazing tho! And my neck feels better already. My mom took a pic during appt today Ill post. I'm so happy just fatigued and sore and in some pain.

Updated on 21 Jan 2017:
...wish me luck!

Updated on 21 Jan 2017:
With my mom's help I had a shower, she helped me wash my hair, she blowdried my tape and got my bra back on and a clean tank top and jammy bottoms. Now sitting down to roast chicken and pasta salad. I haven't been eating much because of nausea but I'm hungry now. Still haven't had a bowel movement.

Updated on 22 Jan 2017:
The binder they sent me home in was cutting into my incisions. My mom went and bought a soft cotton no underwire sports bra from Sears (Jessica brand). Amazing! The pain is night and day. I woke up having a bad pain day and switched to this bra and it helped so much. PS said he didn't care if I wore the binder for the first week as long as I wore a supportive sports bra. I think I'll switch between the two.

Updated on 24 Jan 2017:
Day 5 - the time is flying!

First few days were the worst then it became more discomfort than anything pain. Day 3 and Day 4 I had some good cries. I had no idea why I was even crying. I did some research and a book called '"less is more" by Dr. Snodgrass says the manipulation of your breasts can impact hormones and emotional shifts so this is completely normal. My husband kept asking what was wrong if it was pain etc and I just said I have no idea why I'm crying!

Anyway, today is my first day by myself. My mom went back home yesterday and my husband went back to work today. I got up, got breakfast, worked up the nerve to change my gauze by myself, now I'm back in bed resting. So much effort for such small activity. So far very happy with my size, excited to hit the 6 week mark and resume exercise and regular activities. I sent this pic to some friends and they can't believe how much slimmer I look with those huge breasts.

One day at the time is my new motto. I need to remember to have patience.

Updated on 25 Jan 2017:
I have a bruise that sits high on my chest. Nurses think the PS may have injected me with something and hit a vein or something. Anyway it's swollen and tender and in such a random spot.

On the positive side I'm enjoying my shape and each day I'm getting stronger and it's getting easier to change my gauze (I don't typically do well with stitches and blood and bruising so it's a mental prep). All in all it's coming along slowly but surely. And my neck and back are feeling great!

Updated on 27 Jan 2017:
Had my 1 week check up appointment at the hospital this morning. PS is thrilled with the results and says everything looks great. Full sensation all over. Afterward my mom took me to pick up some supplies - more gauze, tape, peroxide for when the tape falls off, etc. Then we went to the bra shop and I got a comfy new bra with no underwire. I actually ended up wearing it home! Felt good to be out of the binder.

Today was the most human I've felt since before my surgery. I put make-up on and was out all morning. Now I'm in bed resting. I have the weekend to relax then back to work on Monday! Luckily I work from home so I can take rest breaks throughout the day.

Updated on 30 Jan 2017:
No real update. I guess no news is good news. Except I'm having nipple hypersensitivity....like at times almost painful they're so sensitive. Beats the alternative tho of not having any sensitivity..hope it doesn't last too long! Here is a before / after picture. I'm just amazed at the difference. I know I have to be patient but I seriously can't wait to go for a run or hike with my new breasts! It's going to be a whole new world.

Updated on 2 Feb 2017:
Trying not to overdue it but holy smokes it doesn't take much. Also I can't sleep elevated anymore as my back muscles are spasming because of it. I slept flat yesterday and that hurt my pec muscles a bit but I need to help my back muscles so I'll deal with it.

My sister and I had purchased tickets to go to a wine fair this weekend for my dad and us for Christmas but I'm not feeling up to it. Just getting groceries today with my mom took a lot out of me. So I sold my ticket. Feeling disappointed. Was hoping I'd be okay by 2 weeks to go but I just don't want to pay the price for pushing myself. Sigh.

2 weeks down, 4 more to go to be cleared to resume normal activities! Countdown is definitely on.

Pic is a before and after wearing the same tank top. Not sure it's a noticeable different??

Updated on 9 Feb 2017:
Week 3 has been better than week 2, week 2 better than week 1, so I'm optimistic that things are heading in the right direction. Only thing that stinks is getting comfortable while sleeping. I think sleeping on my back combined with wearing a bra 24/7 is causing muscle spasms in my back. Annoying! Slowing going to try to ease into side sleeping again. Tape is starting to peel at the edges, so hopefully after a few more steamy showers it's ready to come off.

Updated on 12 Feb 2017:
Just waiting for this glued tape to come off. It's curling at the ends so I gave a gentle pull after my shower last night and it stung so I stopped. PS said he's seen it stay on anywhere from 2 weeks to 8 weeks. He said the longer it's on the better. I would love for it to fall off so I can put on some fresh steri strips (his directions are to clean the incision with peroxide and then re-tape). Anyone else have any experience with glued-on tape covering the incisions?

Updated on 17 Feb 2017:
????

Updated on 21 Feb 2017:
Last of the original glued tape is now off! It was caked on pretty good. I cleaned the incision with peroxide and re-taped as per the PS's instructions. Anxiously waiting my next appointment March 13th to get officially cleared to resume normal activities!! I hope everything is healing as it should. I've resumed walking which has been great, can't wait to run with my new breasts, it will be a whole new world!

Updated on 1 Mar 2017:
Tomorrow marks the 6 week mark. Wow time has flown by! I have resumed most normal activities in terms of lifting, etc and removed all the tape tonight. I think it'll be good to let the air at the scabs. I've been taped for the entire 6 weeks it feels so good to be free! Scars are looking good I think. I have my next follow Appt March 13th so the PS can make sure everything is going well. What a journey this has been but so worth it!! I would recommend it to anyone who is suffering from neck or back pain or migraines due to large breasts. It's changed my life.

Updated on 13 Mar 2017:
Had my week 6 appt today (even tho it's actually week 7 lol). PS was extremely happy and I'm officially cleared..no more restrictions. I've already resumed baths and laundry and cat litter etc but it's nice to get the official clearance. I celebrated by bathing suit shopping. The change is wild. This is the best thing I've ever done for myself in my entire life! I'm looking forward to all the activities that I couldn't do before without risking throwing out my neck completely. I'm looking forward to continuing to live a pain-free life. The possibilities are endless.

Updated on 21 Oct 2017:

I'm soooo excited about my upcoming TT surgery it almost consumes me at times. I'm 44, mother of 4, 5'9" tall, 149 pounds. I've lost 34 pounds since last year and about 6 months ago I decided to take the plunge. I booked 2 consults with a reputable PS. One for tummy and one for breast. I was more concerned about my breast being done but I'm so glad I'm getting the TT first. I've been working out a lot and my stomach roll is almost unbearable at times. I seemed to have lost everywhere but there. My TT is scheduled for 12/5 and I have a breast consult on 11/18. Does anyone know how long I should wait between surgeries?

Updated on 22 Oct 2013:
I told my boss today about the TT. She was very supportive. I was worried about one of my co workers finding out and being super negative. After a good talk she suggested I may want to tell her but be upfront about not wanting people to know b/c of negativity and that it's my decision and I'm excited. My boss figured if she's " in on the secret" she may be better. Plus if anyone was to start a rumour why I was out it would be her. So tomorrow I will tell her and cross my fingers. Told her yesterday I was going to take the kids to Disney next year and she yapped on that I must have win the lotto and never told them. Grrrr. I've read too many stories on here where people are afraid to tell and it's just not right. Here we are excited like jumping beans and feel we can't express it due to the haters ( lol ). I have told a handful if people and most all are so wrapped up in the money part if it. I work for it... Geesh ...

Updated on 25 Oct 2013:
I'm consumed with my TT. Seriously. My sister thinks I'm going to get addicted to PS. The fact that I hate the thought of looking older makes her argument more valid, lol. If only I was a rich girl...
Thought I'd post a more attractive pic of my belly. Would love to see other belies that look like mine.

Updated on 30 Oct 2013:
5 more weeks and I'm already trying to get the house purged and myself organized. I'll be glad when October is over and the things that went with it so I can focus on preparing for my new bod! It's all about enjoying the journey as well:))

Updated on 30 Oct 2013:
Creepy crawl fun run. It was a lot of fun!

Updated on 6 Nov 2013:
Took pics while on all fours. Eeek. Good reality check for me! Only 4 more weeks till the eve of my surgery! Fretting I won't get everything done. Not sure how much time hubby should take off work. I'm having it done on a Thursday. Have little ones in school and 1 in daycare. When can I drive?

Updated on 13 Nov 2013:
I called the office today for my TT appointment time. No def time but I'm second. I was hoping to be first but I'll take it ;)). I have a breast consult on Monday with him too. Waiting about 6 months for that one. It takes soooo long to get in to see him and then another long wait for a date. Secretary thought I may want to cancel as she thinks I'm so excited about the TT I may use up my breast consult time talking about my TT. Lol. I do have a few questions but I am just as excited about getting the girls done. I have my wish pic and questions ready for him. :))

Updated on 19 Nov 2013:
Went to see PS for BA and talked more tummy talk. I won't have a vertical scar ( yay !! ) and none of his patients ever had senoma. My incision will be nice and low too. I asked about putting the drains in on my incision line but he said it will leave 2 raised red bumps along my line when I heal. No thanks, lol. I can't even begin to express how excited I am! Haven't heard from pre op though. Must be soon.

Updated on 19 Nov 2013:


Updated on 26 Nov 2013:
Everyone around me is getting sick. Seriously can't get sick right now. I'm more afraid of that than the surgery.
My friend is driving me the day of. I got a call from pre-assessment who moved my a Surgery up a half hour. Yay! I'm ready tomorrow!
Mentally I'm prepared, physically I'm prepared but emotionally I'm not sure. I still have a lot to do at work and I worry that the house won't be kept up after my hard work. Worry I might go stir crazy in the house. And really worry I will turn into a big potato from lack of exercise. Still planning to do biceps with hand weights. U don't need and for that ;)
I'm not at all nervous though. Just sooooo excited. It's hard not to want to tell everyone.

Updated on 30 Nov 2013:
In 5 more days they will be wheeling me into the recovery room around this time. I've got 2 calls from pre op already to move my time. First one was 1/2 hour early. Now it's 2 hours later but still fasting after midnight. I don't go in until 1! No chance if sleeping in as I have kids to get up an get to the bus. One needs to get to daycare. That's 7 waking hours with no food. Just sips of water up to 3 hours before. I'm hoping I won't turn into a bear. Lol. I'm a wee but cranky when I'm hungry.
Bought a cig from Walmart today. One piece that has a pee hole ( must have) and it's exposed in the bra area. A bargain at $27. Sexy beige ooooh. Lol.
Thought this week I would be eating better but it's the exact opposite. I know that I will have to really watch my diet after surgery since I can't exercise so I'm enjoying the bad stuff now.

Updated on 30 Nov 2013:
Stupid auto correct. I bought a CG today... Not a cig. Geesh.

Updated on 2 Dec 2013:
I'm in energizer bunny mode! Cleaning and cooking ... For some reason I just HAD to get that oven cleaned ... If I didn't have to work the next couple of days I'm sure I would be re- cleaning what's already clean. Thought I would be eating good with just a few days to go - nope. Not happening. I missed my pump class tonight cause one of the kids had tummy troubles and I had to pick her up from school. I started to have some myself so I napped. REFUSE to be sick.
Aunt Flo arrived Sunday. I was elated. She was due to arrive the day before surgery. I wasn't sure how I was going to deal with that as I'm kind of a hygiene nut and I've read you have to wait a couple days to shower.
Got my wheels all shined up and ready to take with me to the hospital. I'm sure they'll think I'm crazy but I don't want a catheter and I like my independence.
Since they moved my surgery time to 1:00 hubby has no one to watch the kids to see me after I'm up in my room. I told him it's ok but he really wants to see me. He's sweet like that. I guess that's a wait n see.

Updated on 3 Dec 2013:
This time it's for 10 am. Wonderful time! That's only 34 hours and 47 mins away! I am still not eating clean. Hoping Aunt Flo goes away soon. I'm up 3 pounds ... Hoping it's from her and not the brownies. Lol.
Put in for a couple of vacation hours first thing in the morning to get my pump class in. My last work out and I've got to make it good. Then it's work and the kids and more cleaning and before I will know it I'll be like a jumping bean waiting to go in to the O.R. Im only half packed. Not sure how big and loose. Packed hubby's pj pants and a pair of mine. With the new surgery time hubby will be able to see me when I get out if recovery. Couldn't find a sitter for an evening visit.
Any last words of advice??? Should I eat really light tomorrow? Start the stool softeners?

Updated on 4 Dec 2013:
It's so hard to believe that's its so close. I'm as calm as a cucumber. Tummy grumbling so I think a coffee is in order. I can eat till midnight. I thought I'd be cleaning and going nuts. I'm pretty chilled. Hope I can stay relaxed enough to sleep tonight. See you all on the flat side my peeps! Booyah!!!!

Updated on 6 Dec 2013:
It's over and I have to say that I wasn't nervous in the least. It was a great experience leading up to it. As for the pain, I woke up groggy in no pain. As soon as the pain kicks in at all I get my nurse for my happy pills. Love dilaud.
My doc comes in the morning to check his handy work. He came in last night to let me know how it went. He was able to take even more skin off which left me with a bit longer scar but I'm cool with that. My scar is low and no dog ears. He stitched up my insides from top to bottom. He also uses 3 layers of stitches when sewing me back up. I avoided the extension scar too even though my torso is long.
I'm on a liquid diet and starving. I was extremely weak at one point from lack of food. They brought me in a Popsicle which I ate too fast and was on the verge of throwing up.
Got the nurse to take a couple of pics. She thought I was crazy. Oh....coughed a bit and avoided it by getting up right away and drinking. My fingers are numb at the 2cd joint up on one hand. They feel like they are frozen and it's been 13 hours since I've been awake. My skin is itchy everywhere. Not sure why. No rash. And I'm dehydrated.
It's almost 5 in the morning and I'm wide awake. Don't want to type anymore though. Lol

Updated on 6 Dec 2013:
Doc said I will love it! Even made a contour in my belly. He only peeked can't wait to see it off;)

Updated on 7 Dec 2013:
My bowls have always caused a problem for me as I would have to do daily enemas for relief. I figured I would do the same after this surgery. It didn't work. I'm taking stool softener a too. My belly sounds like it's going to explode! I am very worried about my stitches.
Walking around is manageable. I use my walker. Trying to stick with light eating cause if the bowls. A coffee yesterday caused to blow up like a balloon. I had to take gasx. Didn't really work.
As for my heart ... Was broken last night. I haven't been telling many people cause they get hung up on the money or "what do u need that for" " look at my belly" etc. hubby has been bugging to tell his mom before I see her again next weekend. She had it done at my age which helps and I have been asking her lots of questions. The thing with his mom is that she's not the warm and fuzzy kind. I thought I was prepared for the phone call but I was very wrong! She got mad. She never asked me how I was or anything, just said " can I ask you something?!" I said " sure" she yells at me " how in the world are you paying for this?!? Where did you get the money?!" I said " we worked it out and this is why I don't tell a lot if people cause they get hung up on the money. My mom doesn't even know but it's because I don't want her to worry about me. I told her that hubby wanted me to tell her before our visit next week. She proceeded to tell me the kids and I aren't invited. Just her son. I couldn't continue talking. I was an emotional mess. Hubby walked in the door and seen me. I could hardly breathe. The phone rang and she said " what did u say this time?!?" Unreal. I had to take an Ativan. I was a mess for over an hour. People need to learn how to turn their filters on and keep them on. I've been nothing but good to her. I'm a people pleaser and I try way too hard with those who like me the least.

Updated on 9 Dec 2013:
The first few days weren't so bad really. Today was my worst. I had a dr appt today so u decided to wash my hair while hubby took the kids to school. Took my walker and washed my hair over the sink then I did my make up while sitting down. That was enough to wear me out. When hubby came home I was on the hunt for my bandages. I completely wore myself out and needed a nap and 2 dilaud. Woke up loopy but I had to get into the shower and get ready for the appointment. Hubby was not sure if he could stomach taking off the bandages. Then by the time he was fumbling with the binder I almost passed out. It was awful. He was about to call 911.
We made it there. I had a lot of gas pain. Gasx doesn't work and still softener a made it worse.
Doc was very impressed in incision. Said it was perfect. I tore a stitch in my belly button but he said or will be ok. Took out the drain. Felt like someone put a cigarette out on my skin and didn't take it off! Really hurt. I see him again on a Friday for the second one.
The next couple if days I really have to take it easy. Hubby goes back to work on Thursday and I have to get the kids off by myself.
Took 2 quick pics. I'm very hunched.

Updated on 10 Dec 2013:
Took my bandages off to clean my bb and drain sites. Had my camera ready and .... Whoah!!! Who's belly us this ?!?! I am soooo swollen. My own fault I'm sure. I'm getting up too much and not drinking enough water. Seems like my life has been simplified for me and I still can't do that. Needless to say I didn't want a pic. I've been up for 3 hours and really need a nap. Hubby had to get car inspected and left my almost 4 year old home. I have to get her to her autism school in an hour. It will be my first time driving. Didn't take any narcotics today but will when I get home. I need some deep sleep. Thank you to all my peeps for comments and suggestions. Now I need to be a good girl and heed some of it!

Updated on 10 Dec 2013:
Hubby got home early and took 4 year old. My older daughter came over and drove me to the stores. She wheeled me around and did everything. It still wore me right out. I'm back home, horizontal and took my meds. Tomorrow I'm not doing a thing. I expect too much of myself sometimes. I'm going to be good girl from now on.

Updated on 11 Dec 2013:
This morning I am less swollen so I took some pics. Still very hunched. I took a muscle relaxer today to see if that will help. Today is rest day and see if I can stand straighter day. Would love to sneak in a bath since I don't smell the best....

Updated on 12 Dec 2013:
Kind of a mess this morning. Last night i went to take my meds and hubby thought I should skip them cause I took 2 muscle relaxers through the day. Huge mistake. I'm in a lot of pain. When I stand the back pain overtakes the belly pain and vs versa when I sit. Waiting for the meds to kick in as I'm useless at this point. I have to get kids ready for school and drop the youngest off. Thankful my daughter stayed overnight. I swore I wouldn't say I regretted this surgery but I can honestly say I'm hurting so bad it's hard not to think those thoughts. So I sit here crying and hoping it goes away

Updated on 13 Dec 2013:
Still very hunched over today. I am also feeling more burning and sharp pain now and then. Seen dr and he assured me that I was doing great and he took out the second drain. He told me that from now on I will notice a big difference in how quickly things will progress. I'm thrilled. I've already been able to get around less hunched this evening. Yay :))

Updated on 14 Dec 2013:
Today was a total Debbie Downer Day. If it wasn't for some of my RS pals I would have ate my way through it. I had enough of the hunching and swelling and the uselessness of my former non stop body.
Then tonight I went for a pee .... And I looked down at my new belly. It's hard and swollen but only half the size of the one that used to hang over my vijay jay. I would constantly grab the handful of flesh and be excited to know that it would someday be gone. It's not gone... But I can't grab a handful anymore.

Updated on 16 Dec 2013:
I found this gross watery blister yesterday. Today it's twice the size. Does anyone know what it is? I had no heat on it. Soooo icky.

Updated on 18 Dec 2013:
Day 13, practicing standing straighter by going next to the wall and putting my shoulders back. It's working. Today I feel great ( except for the cold I woke up with) and it's a snow day for the kids. My plan is to get them to help me clean this place up before heading outside to play. They are a lot faster than I am, lol.

Took some pics. You can see the blister. Hoping it doesn't scar. I found out it was a friction blister. My PS told me to pop it and put peroxide on it. My boss ( a nurse ) told me to leave it as there are healing properties in there (?). I couldn't stomach popping it. Thankfully it did in its own and I put the peroxide on.

I wore my full body sausage suit yesterday and it made a big difference. I had to take it off when I got home as it was so tight. My cg from the hospital is way more comfy.

Sleeping on my side for 2 nights. First night was hard. Second better. I turn every few hours. I have 3 soft pillows under my head and a stiff one between my legs. My back thanks me in the morning!

Updated on 20 Dec 2013:
Went to see my PS today to check out the blister. He also got to see my scar without the steri strips for the first time. He said it looked perfect. Everything I asked I go " perfect". I told him he was saying perfect a lot so he switched to great. Lol. I'm doing great, it looks great, he couldn't be more pleased. Made me feel a lot better. I had accidentally put tape over the blister. When I pulled the tape off I also pulled the new skin off. Ouch. He told me to put Vaseline on it and cover with bandage before I tape. So now I'm using micropore tape and I've read good things about it. Plus it's very inexpensive which is a bonus.

Other than getting a perfect rating from my PS, I'm walking a little straighter all the time. Hard to believe the difference in just a few days. I'm aiming for total upright posture by Christmas morning ;))

Oh... Got a nasty cold/flu. Woke up last night terrified of coughing. I grabbed hubby and told him to "GET ME UP". Quickest I've seen either of us move, lol. I raced to the Halls( syrup center - works really well) and then the fridge. Just drank the syrup right from the bottle. I ended up on the couch propped up, cold and had all my stuff lined up if I needed it. Woke up with a fever and I felt like crap. I couldn't help but cough some and my insides felt like they were in fire. Each time I'm thinking I'm damaging something. Pharmacist said to pair Tylenol 3 with DM cough syrup and boatloads of water. Apparently codeine is the best cough suppressant. The downside is it makes me very alert. So it's 1:30 in the morning and I'm still ready to roll. Got to get to bed and pray I don't cough.

Lastly, updated pic. It looks better each day I can stand straighter. At first my bb just looked like it was soooo off. My belly is swollen and shiny. My daughter said it looks like I rubbed oil all over it. She wanted to know if my boobs will be shiny like that after their done, lol.

Best try to get a few hours in before the first kiddo or puppy wakes up.

Updated on 26 Dec 2013:
21 days today! What a ride this had been. I'm almost over my cold and I went back to the gym today for a little cardio. PS gave me the ok as long as I didn't hurt. Just walking though. So I put in an hour at 2.4 mph. At first I felt like a real slacker but when I tried to go any faster it hurt. It was the very most my busy could do so I accepted that. Wore my hospital CG as I was afraid the girdle wouldn't be enough support.

This morning I was the least swollen and it felt good but I forgot about pics. I managed to snap a few tonight. It's coming along pretty good. Still trying to stand up without a hunch but every day gets better!

Updated on 26 Dec 2013:
21 days of progress

Updated on 29 Dec 2013:
A year ago on Dec 30th I started my weight loss using Myfitnesspal. I stopped logging my food about about 6 months ago but it's time I start again. My goal is to look amazing by the end of February.

I was at the gym again today on the treadmill. I'm not a big fan of the treadmill as I like a bigger burn. The classes are more my thing. Anywhooooo... I was DYING to break out in a run. I did bump it up to 3 mph but that was my max without feeling like I was gonna rip something. The fact that I was at the gym felt great but sad also as I really miss it.

I see my PS again tomorrow. Will update again with pics next time.

Updated on 30 Dec 2013:
Today marks my 1 year to a better body. Last year I weighed 179 on this day. Today I weigh 149. My goal is another 8 pounds then sculpting and shaping once I get the okay from my PS. Time back I would have lost more before my surgery but my body liked 149-151 and I stayed that weight since the summer. Cleaning up my diet ;)

Updated on 2 Jan 2014:
It's night time so I may look more swollen. Tummy still numb. Last night was almost burn free :))
Treadmill again @ 2.5 mph. I will try a bit faster tomorrow. Overdid it last week and couldn't even do 10 mins. Gave it a couple days break and trying again.
Should also mention I lost my butt. Very sad. It's flat as a pancake. My capris are not very attractive, lol. I was starting to like my new booty.

Updated on 5 Jan 2014:
I had a date with the treadmill today. Thought I would try 3.0 mph for 30 mins. I actually did 3.5 mph for 45 mins with no burning or pains at all!! Without hinder either. Sooo excited! If all goes well I'm repeating this tomorrow. I got the go ahead after 6 weeks for all exercises and this will def help with the transition.
For all you tt's, listen to your body if it tells you to stop but it doesn't hurt to try a bit more. I'm at 4 weeks and 3 days.
Also... Slept without the pillow under my legs last night. No burning or zinging pains. I woke up nice and flat. It's amazing what a difference a few days make!

Updated on 5 Jan 2014:


Updated on 10 Jan 2014:
Just a quick 5 week update with pics. Last week I pushed myself at the gym and over did it. My tummy felt like a bed of hot coals and I felt miserable. So I stopped the gym until next week. It's not worth it.
Started scar away. Scar is still raised. Husband still won't look at it :/

Updated on 18 Jan 2014:
Seriously losing all my hard work. I have lost and gained then lost and gained 3 pounds. I think I may have gained more as I lost muscle. I don't even recognize this new flubbed body. Good news is I'm cleared for all exercises and back to work Monday. I'm going to make my mind up and get back into the game. I'm a bit nervous to get back to the classes but I'm not going to think about it. Just do it. Anyhow, this past week I've felt the best. Also went on a shopping trip today and got some new clothes. I'm the same size but my shape is so off its hard to get clothes that flatter me. Once I start exercising I hope to change that. Posting some pics. Last one is my dream belly. I hope to post one just like this on my 6 month anniversary :)

Updated on 18 Jan 2014:
;)

Updated on 25 Jan 2014:
Went to PS for follow up. He's very pleased with incision. Says this is the worse time of it for redness and it's looking great. Flattening out more.

Updated on 1 Feb 2014:
Feeling great! I went to my first body pump class last Monday and was sore for days. Went a lot lighter but it was just right. Looking to get back to a regular routine of exercise soon.

Updated on 1 Feb 2014:
U can see a little change each week

Updated on 13 Feb 2014:
I don't see any more difference in the last couple of weeks I have only got to the gym once a week too :( Hard with kids and hubby's new schedule.
My muscles are quickly adjusting though. Each weight session gets better n better. I'll be back to lifting my normal weight in the next couple of weeks. Still not doing the abs though.
I've also taken off some of my previous photos. A friend informed me that anyone can see these and even though I don't mind my body naked, I wouldn't want my neighbour or do worker knowing it's me, lol

Updated on 20 Feb 2014:
Loving my belly and scar. I put a little make up in it today and it looks fab. Next I'm working on my butt. Tried combat last night and I wasn't ready. Sticking with pump and I think I'll start up my shred video again ;)

Updated on 10 Mar 2014:
Seen my PS today. He said he couldn't be happier with my results and most importantly he said that this is not my final results .... That I'm actually going to get FLATTER!!!! Over the moon! Will post a pick on week 14. So for all of you wondering if you're gonna get flatter ... Oh yessss u are!!!!!!

Updated on 17 Mar 2014:
Tummy still has numbness but I'm cool with that. Scar is red but I'm good with that too. Spring is coming so I'm cleaning up my diet. Hoping to go down one size. Go me!
Big thank you at all my RS sisters! Big bear hug for each of u!!!!

Updated on 30 Mar 2014:
Not sure what's going on but swelling has taken over! It's been gradual over the last week. My co-worker was the first to inform me that she noticed "my paunch". That was on Monday. Every day got worse. Last night I was even bigger than before my surgery. Put my binder on tight last night- terrible sleep but it has gone down some. I'm home sick today so I'm wearing it all day. I've been exercising more .. Could that be it??? Still avoiding ab exercises. I did read if there is visceral fat around your organs then they will protrude. I was at a good weight when I started this. Oh .... About that .... I'm up a few pounds too. Calling the doctor on Monday if it doesn't get better. Going to try massaging too. If I find a solution I will def share!!!

Updated on 2 Apr 2014:
An update on the swelling.... Wearing the binder the last few days ( I've been home sick with the flu ) and the deep massages with coconut oil seemed to do the trick. It helps that I haven't been eating much either due to being sick. I'm adding a pic I took today. The first pic was taken last summer before my consult. I was a couple of pounds heavier but pretty much the same. Tummy looks ALOT better!

Updated on 14 Aug 2014:
Struggling with a 9 pound weight gain. I lose a few then find them again. Overall my TT looks good. Need to make time to hit the gym again. ;)